WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — "The FBI thwarted Emanuel Lutchman’s intent to kill civilians on New Year's Eve," Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Buffalo Division Adam Cohen said.
According to the Justice Department, Lutchman received directions from Daesh to carry out an armed attack on civilians at a local bar and restaurant in upstate New York on New Year’s Eve. The defendant also had plans to join the terrorist group overseas.
The charges against Lutchman include attempting to provide material support to the Daesh terror group, outlawed in Russia and numerous other states.
If convicted, Lutchman could face 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have increased security preparations across the United States in light of recent Daesh-linked terrorist attacks. US media have reported that President Barack Obama was briefed on heightened terrorist threats in three major US cities over the New Year’s holiday.
